Celeste could see it as plain as day: Gordon was especially attentive toward Caitlin.

And Caitlin didn't seem to mind his attention, either.

She slid comfortably into the back seat. Gordon opened the driver's door, buckled

his seatbelt, and glanced over his shoulder. "Where to, ladies?"

Celeste, head down, was busy scrolling through her phone.

With the air conditioning humming, Caitlin slipped off her gloves. "We need to stop

by the Immigration Center to get our Gulf Access Passes."

"Alright." Gordon nodded, then asked, "Heading to Neon Spire for some fun?"

"Yeah, that's right," Caitlin replied.

From Gordon's angle, he caught her reflection in the rearview mirror-her delicate features, striking as ever. Even a brief glance set his heart racing.

Had it really been fifteen days since they last saw each other? He was almost

sure.

He parted his lips and spoke. "You going with March?"

"Yes," Caitlin nodded.

Somehow, Gordon felt a rush of relief. He smiled, "Neon Spire is a great spot. You two should stay a few days, enjoy yourselves. But remember, it's just the two of

you traveling-be careful. Try not to talk to strangers too much."

It might be a law-abiding city, but there are bad apples everywhere.

"Will do," Caitlin said.

He added, "Oh, and I know some people out there. If you run into any trouble or need a hand, just call me, alright?"

"Thank you, Gordon," Caitlin replied with another nod.

The Immigration Center wasn't far. Within minutes, they arrived.

Caitlin climbed out of the car. "Thanks for giving us a ride, Gordon."

He waved it off. "It was nothing. Just a quick drive. You two go on in-I can't park here anyway, so I'll get going."

"Drive safe," Caitlin called after him.

"I will."

As the Rolls disappeared down the street, Celeste linked arms with Caitlin, sighing with a grin, "Mr. Sylvester is seriously the total package. Handsome, comes from a good family, successful, and honestly, he's just a genuinely nice guy. Whoever ends up as his girlfriend is going to be the luckiest woman in the world."

She shot Caitlin a meaningful look.

When Caitlin didn't answer, Celeste pressed further, "Come on, Catie, am I right or what?"

Caitlin smiled. “Looks, background, success, character-Gordon really is a catch. He'd make a great boyfriend."

How you play chess says a lot about your character, Caitlin thought. She'd played countless games against Gordon. Win or lose, he never made excuses or boasted-he simply accepted the outcome with grace. That alone showed he was a true gentleman.

Celeste, sensing an opening, went for it. "So, do you like him?"

Caitlin's tone was casual. "I wouldn't say I like him that way, but I don't dislike him either."

Celeste nodded, wheels turning. "If Mr. Sylvester started pursuing you, would you say yes?"

Caitlin laughed. "March, don't be ridiculous. I heard from his nephew-Gordon's sworn off marriage. We're just good friends, nothing more."

That's why Caitlin had never let herself think of their relationship as anything romantic.

"No interest in marriage?" Celeste was floored.

"Exactly," Caitlin said with a little nod.

Celeste rubbed her temples, still unconvinced. But why did it seem like the way Gordon looked at Caitlin was a whole lot more complicated than that?

Meanwhile...

After dropping off Caitlin and Celeste at the Immigration Center, Gordon headed straight to his cooking class across town.

Ever since he'd bragged to Caitlin about his skills in the kitchen, he'd been carving ninety minutes out of his week to take lessons-making sure, above all, that no one he knew could spot him here. That's why he'd picked a culinary school a good thirty miles from Sylvester Gardens.

He'd been attending for over two months now. Another two, and he'd finally graduate.

Just as Gordon parked his car, a shocked voice rang out beside him.

"Uncle Gordon?!"